POLICE NEWS: Thefts, Sick Raccoons and More

by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER — Montpelier, in recent weeks, has seen a rash of car break-ins and incidences of thefts, threats, assaults and two reports of a sick raccoon among other issues. This is according to media logs published by the Montpelier Police Department covering the time period between April 11 -24.

Multiple thefts from unlocked vehicles were reported — especially in the overnight hours. A Dell laptop was stolen out of a car parked out by the pool. There was a “theft of an item” out of a car at the Dunkin’ Donuts. There were also several reports of unlocked vehicles being gone through, but nothing taken — on Wilder Street and Hillside, but on Hubbard Street, binoculars went missing. Other thefts include two reports of stolen bicycles on Fuller and Wilder Streets. Also, a woman reported her coat missing from Trinity Church.

Several personal losses occurred downtown as well. Reported to police were two lost iPhones, a bracelet in a black velvet pouch on Stone Cutter’s Way, and a checkbook — reportedly lost “somewhere” downtown.

And, in the ‘odd news’ department: On April 14, someone on River Street found what appeared to be a live grenade from among items he purchased from out of a storage unit in Essex. Vermont State Police Bomb Squad responded to assist Montpelier Police with the investigation. It doesn’t say how it all turned out, but no explosions were listed in the logs.

Also, we know spring is here when the animals get out and about. A sick raccoon was reported on April 14th on Mechanic Street, and another sick raccoon was reported on the 18th on Ewing Street. Also, a young fox pup was found to be separated from it’s parent. Police notified the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

As for harder news, on April 20, someone reported individuals who were using business property to set up drug deals. On April 14 someone reported seeing a male passed out on Main Street. In addition, on April 23, someone was reportedly urinating in public. Earlier, on April 13, a group of people were reported to be smoking marijuana adjacent to their building on Stone Cutter’s Way.

Also near Stone Cutter’s Way, a man reported that two men threatened to assault him at Another Way on Barre Street if he did not give them five dollars.

Police made some arrests during that time period as well. Among them, on April 21, Tyler Green, 34, of Montpelier was arrested for first degree aggravated domestic assault and he was lodged at the Barre City Police Department. On April 11, April Abreu, 26, of Barre was arrested for simple assault. He was lodged at Norheast Regional Correctional complex for probation violation.

Aaron Plotkin, 26, of Montpelier, was arrested for domestic assault, unlawful restraint and interference with access to emergency services. He was cited in to court. There were also reports of high-powered rifle shots on Northfield Street.

And finally, police made two arrests to people for using electronic devices while driving. One happened at the Capitol Plaza Hotel parking lot and another on Elm Street.